Cruising through a prime rib carving station, docking at an omelet station and circling a dessert island just became more appealing. The Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive, recently launched a Sunday champagne brunch cruise aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler, serving the most important meal of the day with a side order of Mission Bay views.
Leaving from the hotel boat dock every Sunday through September at 11 a.m., the two-hour cruise makes guests feel like they’re embarking on a vacation ” even if it’s a “stay-cation” for locals saving gas and staying closer to home.
“When we heard about this, we thought it looked like a lot of fun,” said Stacy Roberson from Eastlake, who brought her husband and son on the cruise. “It’s a nice way to do something special, have a wonderful meal and listen to some great music.”
Smart travelers board as soon as the dock opens at 10:30 a.m. to allow time for both brunching and sightseeing. The photographer makes it easy to smile when he snaps group and individual photos of guests on their way to the boat. A hostess shakes hands as she hands passengers their choice of champagne, mimosa or orange juice before the captain welcomes them aboard.
And they’re not stepping on to just any boat. The three-story sternwheeler is a replica of a Mississippi riverboat and reflective of a more elegant time, appointed with mahogany doors, polished brass fixtures and a spectacular stained glass ceiling.
Although it can accommodate 450 passengers, the boat is much more intimate at brunch, with round tables for 10 generously spaced throughout the room. Tablemates quickly introduce themselves, sharing tips on their favorites from the brunch stations.
The first port of call is the entrée station, with made-to-order omelets, quiche, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, fruit blintzes, potatoes and grilled mahi mahi with fruit salsa. Matt Hartwell helms the omelet station, adding fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, ham and cheese as directed.
“It’s really fun and gives you a chance to talk to the people coming through,” he said.
The cruise of brunch islands continues with a seafood station of crab claws and peel-and-eat shrimp. The carving station beckons with prime rib and roasted turkey breast. Fruit and greens welcome a stop for pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe and mixed salad. Sail by the bakery station for croissants, muffins, pastries and the opportunity to build a towering bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes and capers.
The final stop ” or the first, since it’s vacation ” is the dessert station with bite-size cheesecake, key lime pies, white and dark chocolate truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries.
A musician playing acoustic guitar and singing along accompanies the meal with mellow favorites from James Taylor to the Beatles. Throughout the meal, champagne, orange juice and coffee continue to flow, all included in the price of the brunch. A full bar serves Bloody Marys and other brunch selections, priced per glass.
Despite the temptations belowdeck, brunch guests head for the stairs onto the top deck to watch the sights of Mission Bay. The captain provides interesting facts about the bay’s history, from its humble beginnings as mudflats to its development as a recreational area. Even a seagull nesting near the smokestacks adds to the commentary with warnings to stay away from her eggs.
Margaret Wristen of Lakeside said that she and her husband often come to Pacific Beach for Sunday brunch and jumped at the chance to take the cruise for a new experience.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the water, the view, meeting new people,” she said. “It’s just a nice way to get away from yourself and your routine.”
Prices for the champagne brunch cruise are $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 4 to 12. Tax and service charge are not included. For reservations and information, call (858) 539-7667, or visit www.sternwheelers.com.